Mick Fanning hits back at criticism he copped for overseas business trip
Surf champ Mick Fanning has not taken nasty comments about a recent US trip lying down, responding to those who questioned him that, like everyone else, he had to get a work exemption to travel.
QLD News
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Surf legend Mick Fanning has hit back at social media criticism after posting holiday happy snaps of he and his family on a US trip.
The Gold Coast-based former triple world champion took to Instagram to post photos of he and American-born partner Breeanna Randall and their 13-month-old son Xander at an idyllic lakeside estate in Idaho.
The pics included Fanning frolicking with Xander in the lake and playing golf at the property, where they were hosted by friends Katie and Dustin Campbell.
“So much fun hanging in Idaho for the weekend,” Fanning posted.
“Thanks for the amazing hospitality @katie_camp @dc_123 we had the best. Much love family. Will def make it back one day.”
But Fanning hit back after one follower, @sidbowman, had a crack about the trip.
“Interesting that you can come and go from Australia as you please,” @sidbowman wrote.
Fanning responded: “I actually can’t come and go as I please. I like everyone else had to get a work exemption as half the companies I work for are based in the USA. Here for a long time and when I do head back to Australia I’ll quarantine just like everyone else.”
The response drew more than 150 likes, with many of Fanning's supporters springing to his defence.
“@mfanno one thing this pandemic has caused is for people to think they can call out others unnecessarily or attack other humans without knowing all facts,” @eebecca.evans wrote.
“Keep doing what you do and don’t ever think you have to justify yourself to people.”
Other followers, however, sided with @sidbowman.
“How can you get a flight back to Aus when you (sic) with your family and so many other Aussies are stranded overseas desperate to get back but can’t … not a fair system,” @tracewako posted.
Another follower wrote: “How is it that mick as a Qld person can leave the country and have a holiday in the USA???”
Fanning and his family also travelled to the US last year during the pandemic.
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